cap-response
My proposed research topic is "Gun Violence in Maryland with Emphasis on Baltimore and its effects on Public Health", this will explore the dangers, rate and long-lasting effects of this horrible cause of death and suicide in our community. Most especially among the unemployed youth of every race or creed, and the rate of elderly adult suicide is appalling. I am interested in this topic due to the fact that in the past week, I had a close encounter and witnessed an elderly couple double suicide right outside the parking lot at my job in Catonsville, Maryland. It was a chilling outrage and the neurological effect is still lingering in my brain. I happened to admit the female victim when she came to my floor and was under my direct care till the spouse signed her out on Against Medical Advice (AMA) before the ugly incident happened at the parking lot. Since then, it has been a difficult time for me and fellow employees in general.
Baltimore, Maryland, has long been considered one of the most violent cities in America despite having very strict gun laws. The high number of homicides in Baltimore are largely attributed to a culture of gang and drug-related violence. In 2012 alone, there were 217 homicides in Baltimore. As reported by The Baltimore Sun , the FBI Uniform Crime Report for 2013 identified the city as having the "fifth-highest murder rate in the country." In 2014, there have been 191 homicides in Baltimore, the majority caused by shootings. Crime rates are not yet fully compiled for 2018 and the impact of recently strengthened Maryland gun laws on current crime is uncertain. Gun Violence is a public health issue because it has an enormous impact on the health and wellness of individuals; especially youth and elderly. Recognizing youth violence as a public health issue complements the more traditional view of the problem as a criminal justice issue and incorporates the social and developmental sciences in addressing the concern (Baltimore Sun, 2018).
Firearm homicides and suicides are a continuing public health concern in the United States. During 2009–2010, a total of 22,571 firearm homicides and 38,126 firearm suicides occurred among U.S. residents. This includes 3,397 firearm homicides and 1,548 firearm suicides among persons aged 10–19 years; the firearm homicide rate for this age group was slightly above the all-ages rate (Blumstein and Wallman, 2006). Baltimore City Health Department and the Office of Youth Violence Prevention recognize that: Violence is a leading cause of injury, disability and premature death locally, violence is a significant disparity, disproportionately affecting young people, people of color, and elderly white males, violence increases the risk of other poor health outcomes (Baltimorecity.gov). While efforts such as background checks to prevent high-risk persons from possessing firearms (e.g., persons convicted of violent crimes, persons subject to protective orders because of threats of domestic violence, and persons with documented mental illness posing a risk to themselves or others) are in effect but more efforts are needed from stricter legislation (Webster and Vernick, 2013).
Reference
Blumstein A, Wallman J. The recent rise and fall of American violence. In: Blumstein A, Wallman J, eds. The crime drops in America, revised edition. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press; 2006.
https://health.baltimorecity.gov/programs/violence-prevention. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-wen-guns-2014. Retrieved September 26, 2018.
Webster DS, Vernick JS, eds. Reducing gun violence in America: informing policy with evidence and analysis. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press; 2013.